The Witches of Moonshyne Manor

By Bianca Marais

Book Overview

"Bianca Marais is a genius" -- Ann Patchett, #1 New York Times bestselling author

A coven of modern-day witches. A magical heist-gone-wrong. A looming threat.

Five octogenarian witches gather as an angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor. All eyes turn to the witch in charge, Queenie, who confesses they've fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. Still, there's hope, since the imminent return of Ruby--one of the sisterhood who's been gone for thirty-three years--will surely be their salvation.

But the mob is only the start of their troubles. One man is hellbent on avenging his family for the theft of a legacy he claims was rightfully his. In an act of desperation, Queenie makes a bargain with an evil far more powerful than anything they've ever faced. Then things take a turn for the worse when Ruby's homecoming reveals a seemingly insurmountable obstacle instead of the solution to all their problems.

The witches are determined to save their home and themselves, but their aging powers are no match for increasingly malicious threats. Thankfully, they get a bit of help from Persephone, a feisty TikToker eager to smash the patriarchy. As the deadline to save the manor approaches, fractures among the sisterhood are revealed, and long-held secrets are exposed, culminating in a fiery confrontation with their enemies.

Funny, tender and uplifting, the novel explores the formidable power that can be discovered in aging, found family and unlikely friendships. Marais' clever prose offers as much laughter as insight, delving deeply into feminism, identity and power dynamics while stirring up intrigue and drama through secrets, lies and sex. Heartbreaking and heart-mending, it will make you grateful for the amazing women in your life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0778386996
• ISBN13: 9780778386995
• Release Date: August 2022
• Publisher: Mira Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

I loved it. It's very hard to find good queer books

I loved it. I read the audio book originally from my local library. It was exquisite. It's hard to find a good queer book about found family and sticking up for yourself. The vibes reminds me a lot of the comic "thirst mermaids" by kat leyh. It's very inspirational to be proud of yourself and let yourself to be openly yourself. And to fight to be yourself. I really enjoy the cast and they have really good interpersonal relationships with each other. The story is pretty tight. Although I must admit I started to skip the recipe sections. I do wonder if they actually create a good product... Without magical properties of course. But overall the book is great. A lot of queer books get very depressing and I'm gay myself so I get the history but when I'm trying to read I just want a good time and this book delivered while also talking about serious issues.

3.5 stars

THE WITCHES OF MOONSHYNE MANOR by Bianca Marais This book is what my friends and I fantasize about whenever we talk about getting together to live out the rest of our lives in a commune. A place we can craft, write, read, drink assorted beverages, garden, cook scrumptious meals, dance under a full moon and do all the witchy things! With that said, I love how this sisterhood of eccentric old biddies are unapologetically sassy, independent, and living it up. They’re not going to let their beloved manor get turned into another strip mall/brewery! While I did enjoy this, I felt it needed to be edited down. A lot. It took so very long to get to the point. Some of the side stories were distracting and convoluted. Other plot details leaned too far into “social commentary” that it turned preachy. The premise was promising, but execution was lacking. Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️